Holiday Safety Tips

Nationwide Children's Hospital has compiled a list of important safety tips for parents

Melissa Kossler Dutton

The holidays may be a magical time of year, but they also can be a dangerous time for children. Holiday entertaining, decorations and some gifts can pose a danger to youngsters.

The Center for Injury and Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital has compiled a list of important safety tips for parents. Here are some of them:

Be aware that guests in your home might have cigarettes or medications with them. Make sure to place coats and purses out of reach of children. Avoid the temptation to wait until the morning to clean up after a party. Even small amounts of alcohol left in glasses could be very harmful to children and leftover food could be a choking hazard. Turn off all lights and blow out candles before going to bed or leaving the house. Carefully read the instructions on new toys to make sure they are right for your child's age and abilities. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and skates can be great gifts. Make sure to buy protective gear, including a well-fitting helmet, if you will be giving a riding toy as a gift. For a complete listing of safety tips, visit http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/cirp-holiday-safety.

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